Chapter 12: Problem 16
Give an example of a Galois extension of \(\mathbb{Q}\) such that the Galois group is as indicated. \(\operatorname{Gal}(E / Q)=\mathbb{Z}_{4}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The extension \( \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[4]{2}, i) \) is a Galois extension with Galois group \( \mathbb{Z}_4 \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand Galois Extensions
A Galois extension is a field extension that is both normal and separable. The Galois group of the extension is a group of field automorphisms that maps the field onto itself while fixing the base field.
02
Identify a Suitable Polynomial
To construct a Galois extension of \( \mathbb{Q} \) with a Galois group isomorphic to \( \mathbb{Z}_4 \), consider quartic polynomials. An easy candidate is \( x^4 - 2 \), as it has distinct roots, making it separable.
03
Check Normality
The polynomial \( x^4 - 2 \) is normal over \( \mathbb{Q} \) because it can be written as \( x^4 = 2 \), which has all roots expressible in terms of radicals. In particular, its roots include \( \sqrt[4]{2} \), \(-\sqrt[4]{2} \), \(i\sqrt[4]{2} \), and \(-i\sqrt[4]{2} \).
04
Determine the Galois Group
The extension \( E = \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[4]{2}, i) \) is a splitting field of \( x^4 - 2 \). The degree of this extension is 4 because the minimal polynomial over \( \mathbb{Q} \) has degree 4. Hence, the Galois group is isomorphic to \( \mathbb{Z}_4 \), which matches the required Galios Group order of 4.
05
Verify Solution Correctness
Since \( E = \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[4]{2}) \) has degree 4, and considering that the extension is both normal and separable, the Galois group \( \operatorname{Gal}(E/\mathbb{Q}) \) is indeed isomorphic to \( \mathbb{Z}_4 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Galois group
In the world of field extensions, the Galois group plays a crucial role. It's essentially a group of all field automorphisms, which are functions that map a field back onto itself while keeping the base field unchanged. Think of it as the symmetries of a field extension. Each automorphism in the Galois group provides a new perspective on the solutions within a given polynomial.
- An automorphism is just like a symmetry in geometry, showing the various ways to view a field without altering its core features.
- The size of the Galois group, also known as the order of the group, typically matches the degree of the field extension.
- In our example, we aimed for a Galois group isomorphic to \(\mathbb{Z}_4\), indicating a cyclic group of order 4.
field extension
A field extension occurs when you enlarge a smaller field by introducing new elements. These new elements allow you to "solve" more equations within your broader mathematical system.
- Think of a field extension as expanding your mathematical toolkit.
- For example, moving from the rational numbers \(\mathbb{Q}\) to the complex numbers \(\mathbb{C}\) via the imaginary unit \(i\) is an extension.
- In the exercise, the extension \(E = \mathbb{Q}(\sqrt[4]{2}, i)\) is constructed by adding \(\sqrt[4]{2}\) and \(i\), thus allowing the solving of the polynomial \(x^4 - 2\).
normal and separable
For a field extension to be called Galois, it must be both normal and separable. But what does this mean?
- A normal extension is one where every polynomial that has a root in the extended field splits completely into linear factors.
- This means that all the solutions (or roots) of the polynomial can be expressed within that extended field.
- A separable extension, on the other hand, guarantees that the polynomial has distinct roots, without any repetitions.
- The roots \(\sqrt[4]{2}\), \(-\sqrt[4]{2}\), \(i\sqrt[4]{2}\), and \(-i\sqrt[4]{2}\) confirm this situation.
- These roots are distinct, ensuring separability.
- The polynomial splits completely into linear factors because it can be expressed as \((x-\sqrt[4]{2})(x+\sqrt[4]{2})(x-i\sqrt[4]{2})(x+i\sqrt[4]{2})\).
quartic polynomials
Quartic polynomials are equations of degree 4, which means they are typically expressed as \(ax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e = 0\). These polynomials can often present interesting challenges and solutions in algebra.
- The degree of a quartic polynomial indicates how many solutions or roots it may have, considering the right allowing for complex numbers.
- Quartic polynomials are notable because of their placement in Galois theory, where solving them typically requires advanced techniques and field extensions.
- For the exercise at hand, the quartic polynomial \(x^4 - 2\) ensures a rich structure that is both normal and separable, making it an excellent candidate for constructing a Galois extension.